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Brazil: Beaches of southern Brazil

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The prosperous, European-influenced southern state of Santa Catarina has over 500km of undulating coastline scalloped with pretty crescent-shaped beaches. Ilha de Santa Catarina (the gateway is the city of Florianópolis) is beloved of Argentine holiday makers and popular with families (the sheltered beaches in the west) and surfers (who ride the rollers in the east). On the mainland the coast is fringed by attractive green hills covered with monkey puzzle trees. The cliffs and bays along the coast shelter a few top end beach properties and attract whale-watchers.

The coastline adjoining the agreeable little resort of Praia do Rosa - considered one of the top most beautiful 30 bays in the world - is particularly exquisite. There are nine beaches and bays, each very different from one another, separated by rugged headlands and linked by coastal paths reminiscent of those in Cornwall or Jersey. It is possible to spend days exploring on foot and by hire car, stopping off at Siriu to admire the sand dunes and maybe sandboard down them and at Ferrugem for the surfing or Gamboa to visit an unspoilt Brazilian beach village. Praia Vermelha's rust coloured sands are only accessible on foot, whereas you can take your car out onto the beach at Ouvidor (watch the tides!). Many beaches are backed by tranquil lagoons safe for swimming. Most visitors base themselves at chic Praia do Rosa but visit the charming low-key and laid-back fishing town Garipoba.

White-water rafting in Brazil

Take a windsurfing course

Brazilian coastal walk with oyster tasting

Whale watching in southern Brazil

Our insider tips for Beaches of southern Brazil

Checking out the party scene on the north of Ilha de Santa Catarina, or the deserted beaches in the south – the choice is yours.

Claire Milner

The sight of curious southern right mum and baby whales breaching or spy-hopping close to your boat. The adults can weigh 60 tons and be 18m long!

David Nichols

Snorkelling among the rocks of the sheltered bays: plenty of undersea wildlife on display.

Chris Rendell-Dunn

Visiting towns and the pretty countryside influenced by European immigrants, who flocked to the more temperate climate and sunny slopes suitable for vineyards.

What our experts say

Santa Catarina Island, and its gateway the pleasant modern city of Florianopolis, has over 40 beaches, with yet more sandy bays on the coast going south towards the border with Argentina and Uruguay. With developed (but not high rise) resorts through to to isolated sands accessible only by rough track, boat or cliff path, you are bound to be able to find one that suits you. I recommend hiring a car to explore this coastline, there's so much to enjoy. My favourite beaches are at Garopaba, an Azorean fishing port cum family-friendly holiday town, and the fan of silky sand at Praia do Rosa, an established surf centre with a super-cool atmosphere in season.

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Beaches of southern Brazil | Rating: Excellent

Florianopolis was perfect, couldn't fault it in any way. Would recommend to anyone wanting total chill in beautiful surroundings.

DS, London | June 2013

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